Cats stratching furniture

[Englishbird]

My cats have just gone to a family I know as I have moved and cannot keep them with me at the moment. They are doing really well and seem really happy there. The only thing they are doing is attacking the furniture. Any suggestions?? At the moment they have covered up the furniture with rugs and blankets. How can we stop them doing this. They have two scratch posts, which they use, but still seem keen on scratching the sofas. It makes me feel guilty as they have been kind enough to take the cats in! Any ideas welcome! thanks x EB ps, have just read some interesting answers on a Q posted last year, but am still posting this in case anyone comes up with something brilliant (I know you will of course ;o)

[rosyrussell]

my neighbour has got a cat scratch box, which is a shallow cardboard tray filled with stuff that looks like corrugated paper - her cats love scratching it. They sell them in our local pet shop. Also chastising the cat whenever they scratch where they are not allowed may help, or apply something smelly like chilli powder or tabasco (in small amounts!) may help to deter them!!